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TOURISTS' EDITION. 



GREATER NIAGARA 



.H^'K)H ;>:.'iTZIfI1 T5IA / ///V 

COPVRIGHTED'BY MSS/'Sr-'D. MORSE ^ 



UNITED STATES AND CANADA. 



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PUBLISHED BY MRS. S. D. MORSE, 

Niagara Falls, N. Y., and Niagara Falls, Ont. 

1896. 



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THE GAZETTE 

ART PRINTING HOUSE, 

NIAGARA FALLS, N. Y. 






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NIAGARA rALLS. 



HE world has but one 
Niagara, the wonder 
and pride of all civilized 
nations. If we would 
attempt to give the 
reader a pen picture of 
Niagara Falls we would 
fail. The object of this 
laj^yhti^nw^', ^^^^ jg ^^ p^.^^ ^^^^ ^11 ^^^ places of 

interest, and assist the reader in such a manner that a visit to the Falls 
will be one of pleasure and profit. 

We will suppose now, reader, that you have landed at the depot on the 
American side. About five minutes walk will take you to Prospect Park. 
It would be well perhaps to state here that the distances are too great 
to walk to all points of interest and for fifteen cents you can ride all over. 
Prospect Park contains one hundred and seven acres. It was purchased 
by the State of New York, and formally opened to the public on July 15, 
1885. From Prospect Point a fine view of the Falls and Gorge can be had. 

Passing up the river bank a short distance, you come to the bridge 
leading to Goat Island, which separates the American and Horseshoe Falls. 

This is the largestislandof the group, containing sixty acres. In the early 
history of this island it was called Iris Island, because of the many beautiful 




GREATER NIAGARA. 




"1 'J n fio 7/ -. S* "' "l . 

rainWows tliat seemed to span it. Later on it was used as a pasture for 
goats, hence its present name. One of the notable events mentioned in lihe 
history of this island is that of Israel ^utman being the first white man tO' 
cross it. While engaged in a campaign against Fort Niagai'-a in 1755, he 
drifted '^dOwTl the rapidsin a small boat, landed on the island, and was tow^ed 
back to shore by a rope that had been fastened to the boat for the purpose. 
He undertook the venture for a wager. This island was sacred to the Indian 
as a burial ground for their chiefs. 

The affianced bride of a young Indian chief died, the Indian burial cere- 
monies were performed and her remains laid beneath the sod. The chief and 
affianced husband of the Indian maiden was found by the grave of her he so 
fondly loved. 



" Gone from the forci^t, gone from the river, 
An arrow in the chief's heart qttivers; 
Bravely she passed death's dark portal, 
Gave tip this life for a spirit immortal. 

iiiiSiVid ■/irsfrr s'j Lost from, the forest, lost from the river, 
Silently the leaves on the tree shivers, 
As gently closing her eyes in sleep 
She joins in the songs of the spirits that never weep. 

Gone from the forest, gone over the river, 
Gone to rest in the arms of the giver ; 
. My heart was broken, all hope departed, 
As on the journey of death she started. 

Lost from my wigwam, lost from my camp fire, 
Never, did the Great Spirt hind any higher 
.[.My love could not keep her w^hile death's chill power 
Lingered w^ithin my queen's bower. 

.1 go to my love from me-jdeath could not sever. 
Soon we shall meet in the spirit world forever, 
There -Ave shall join in the glad hosanna 
Our hearts made one, under the Great Spirit's banner. 



GREATER NIAGARA. 




A few minutes walk takes vou to Luna 
Island, so called because it is the best point 
from which to view the Lunar Bow. It is 
separated from Goat Island, by a stream 
one hundred feet wide. The view up and 
down the river is readily appreciated by the 
visitor. 

Returning to Goat Island we proceed 
to the Biddle Stairs, which were erected 

in 1829 by Mr. Biddle, president of the United States Bank of Phil- 
adelphia, for the purpose of enabling visitors to descend to the Cave of 
the Winds. They are eighty feet high and contain one hundred and forty- 
eight steps. There are also dressing-rooms for those who wish to enter the 
Cave of the Winds. 

This cave is one hundred and twenty feet wide and one hundred feet 
high. To enter this it is necessar}^ to put on water-proof dresses and obtain 
a guide. Cost $1.00. In front the transparent fall makes a beautiful 
screen, and, when the sun shines, a beautiful rainbow quite circular in form 
quivers amid the driving spraj'. The tremendous atmospherical pressure 
causes a tumult, giving the impression of constant storm. No tourist 
should miss seeing this wonderful cavern. 

The Cave of the Winds is under the American Falls and was formed 
by the action of the water on the soft substratum of the precipice. 




SCENE IN THE PARK. 



G R tt ^ T T^ R N T A r A R A . 




which has been 
washed away, leav- 
ing an arch overhead 
extending thirty feet 
beyond the base. 

The Three Sister 
Islands are connected 
with Goat Island by 
three beautiful foot 
bridges. 



HOW TO SEC NIAGARA TALIS FOP $1.00. 

/^F the million and a half of people that visit the Falls annually, the 
majority go away with a feeling of disappointment, and the masses of 
the people that come here for pleasure and recreation are the toilers — the busy 
business men and women — consequently, only a short time can be spent in 
travel and recreation, and the means to sustain a prolonged visit, is a point 
to be considered by many. If you manage wisely it is worth while to cross 
the continent just to see Niagara, if only a few hours can be spent here. 
Most people who are here for a day or two waste a large part of their time 
so limited and precious, and almost wholly lose the real opportunities. 
They go to the wrong places and do the wrong things, and so waste not 
only time but money, and miss the delights and benefits the place ministers 
to its visitors. 

The progress of the times has been anticipated 
by the Gorge Road on the American side, and the 
River Railway on the Canadian side. The vast amount 
of business done by these two companies is sufficient 
attestation of the fidelity of their management to 
the best interests of the traveling public, and their 
wisdom in meeting in such a thorough manner the 
increasing and most exacting requirements of a 
comfort-loving people, a veritable nation of travelers. 

After purchasing a ticket at the Gorge Railway 
office for $1.00, take cars at the monument. In a 
few moments you are going through the center of the great 
" Power City," past factories and mills, then beautiful homes 
with broad lavims and abundance of flowers, and in a short 
time you are at the Devil's Hole, three miles from the Falls. 
This is a large chasm in the bank of the river. A small stream 
of water called Bloody Run empties into the river at this 




GREATER NIAGARA, 







■4... 



/ ^ ' t :s 




m^ 



^^■f 







MASSACRE AT DEVIL'S HOLE. 

point. This point called Devil's Hole is noted in histOf}^ for the massacre of 
English soldiers in 1763. A wagon train of provisions and six hundred 
soldiers were to pass that way from one fort to another, and the French 
hired the Indians to lie in ambush for the troops. The wily Indians did 
their work so well, that the little stream of water ran red with blood, and 
only three escaped to tell the story. A soldier hid, and a drummer boy 
jumped down the embankment and lodged in the bushes. A Mr. Stedman 



GREATER NIAGARA. 



escaped by tlie fieetness of his horse. The Indians were so surprised at his 
flight unharmed, amid a shower of bullets, that they attributed it to the 
protection of the Great Spirit, and to appease the angry gods they gave Mr. 
Stedman vast farming lands, which he owned until the State of New York- 
disputed his titles. 

Now we will come face to face with Nature's great book. As page after 
page opens in quick succession, identity is lost in oblivion, and we seem a 
part of Nature's edifice. 

The deep gorge is reached, with lofty cliffs on either side, holding in 
durariee forever the course of the spent stream, blighting all hope of flight 
over the cliffs' towering sides. From the brink cedars, bush and moss bend 
low, as if dazed by the depth and the gloom of the chasm below. 

Lewiston is reached, the center of river trafiic, where we cross the river 
bv ferry, making a pleasant change. It was here without a doubt the Falls 
once passed over the rocks at Queenston Heights. 

You see a part of a bridge suspended in mid-air. (See Judge Hulett's notes 
on bridges.) Take the River Electric Railway. (See Canon Bull's Notes 
and Victoria Park notes.) We find lunch, fruit and confections at all steps 
along the route. We can't miss the stop at Whirlpool Rapids. (See 
Hulett's notes.) Then on through without a stop till Chippewa is reached ; 
then back again to Victoria Park. Here you will find all that mortal man 
could desire to eat and drink. All along the route on both sides of the lines 
we see bazaars, where many unique Indian curiosities are kept, and in very 
many of the large places fine collections of views of the Falls are on sale at 
very reasonable prices. Don't miss a trip under the Horseshoe Fall ; then 
cross the bridge (price ten cents) opposite Hawley's famous Bazaar. Or 
you can go down the Inclined Railway (cost five cents ) to the Maid-of-the- 
Mist landing; take a sail over their route (cost fifty cents) ; and again we 
can either walk up the incline or ride in the elevator (cost ten cents). Now 
we are back to starting point. 

Now^ this entire route can be gone over in half a day and have plenty 
of time to see the Falls at leisure, as the trip can be made without a 
stop in a very short time. The trip to Buffalo and return, and the round 
trip by the River Railway and Gorge Railway can all be accomphshed in 
one day or half a day. 



Each wave that beats against the rock 
And spends itself in empty spray, 

Seems wasted, yet in time the shock 
Has helped to wear the cliff "away. 



GREATER NIAGARA, 



NIAGARA RIVER, "THE THUMDERINO WATERS." 

THAT portion of the St. Lawrence stream which hes betw^een Lake Erie 
and Lake Ontario is called Niagara River (the Thundering Waters)- 
This river intersects an isthmtis of thirty-three and one-half miles long, divid- 
ing the lakes. The level of Ontario is three hundred and thirty-three feet 
lower than that of Erie, it is evident that the river must descend very rapidly. 
The descent can be classified in three divisions. First, the Rapids, which 
accomphshes fifty-five feet in less than a mile. Second, the Falls themselves, 
which have a depth of about one hundred and sixty feet; and third, 
the river below the Falls, w^hich descends one hundred and five feet or 
more, leaving thirteen feet for the descent of the river below the out- 
let of Erie and the beginning of the Rapids. The outcome of four 




j^: 



10 



GREATER NIAGARA, 




n-J 






might}'' lakes, draining half a continent through this channel into 
the basin of Ontario, gives an effect which for grandeur and a sense 
of irresistible power has no parallel on the face of the earth. The 
mind can hardl}^ conceive or at once grasp the thought of the mighty 
force involved in this plunge over the rocks of one hundred million 
tons of water ever}^ hour, year after year, century after century. The 
tourist has only to sit in silence within sight and sound of the Cataract for 
a brief period to find that its inexpressible majesty dominates the senses 
and brings one helplessly beneath its spell. Come with us down the steep on 
the Canadian side a few hundred yards from the Falls, for here, and no where 
else, you see the Falls to such advantage. Sit down there among the rocks 
awhile. You will become completely fascinated, you v\rill feel that you are no 
longer of this world ; but as you listen and listen to the indescribable melodv 



GREATER NIAGARA, 



11 



<of th^se might}^ waters a most gloriotis harrnony grows out of all this 
lumnlt. 

Poets have become intoxicated with its ma'estv and heavity and en- 
•shrined their harmony in verse and song. Artists have caught the inspira- 
tion and spread on can'.-as bits of this ever changing rcenc of grandeur and 
power fitlv crowned with a halo of glory. Novelists have gazed with 
w^onder,, entranced, and out of the dreamj^ mist ideals arose, onlv to hint at 
treasures stored, and the world has been pleasec. 

But to genius God entrusted the key to this golden mine of power and 
wealth, science and energy clasped hands and with an iron grasp unlocked 
the volted storehonse, opened wide its ponderous doors, and like a meteor 
heaven sent, flashed forth the inexhaustible streams of power and wealth. 
To genius is given the jeweled crown, but science and energy hold the 
sceptre that will gladden' the hearts of men, while these waters flow and 
time rolls on and on. 



NOTES BY RI:V. J. W. WILSON, NIAOARA FALLS SOUTH, ONT. 

"\TIAGARA is the name known to everyone. It is the great natural phe- 
■^ ^ nomenon, the Avonder of the worldv To see tons of water tumbling 
according to nature's law of .^ 

gravitation over a precipice of "^^ ~>^ -^^ ^^ 
rock may at first sight be disap- :r t. ^. 

pointing, but to sit and allow " > 

Nature to speak in its thundering tones to the ' ^ •- 

inmost soul, can we wonder that .., 

" The poor Indian whose untutored mind 
Sees God in cloud and hears him in the wind 

should fall down in ador- 
ation and acknowledge 
the voice of the Great 
Spirit ? 

In visiting this won- 
der of Nature it is vain to 




■\vc^^^ 






12 



GREATER NIAGARA. 




rush about, 
to hurry. It 
is not merely 
what we see, 
not merely -"""^r^ 
the shape, 
color and , .„ 

outward ap- 
pearance 
that our eye 
may have im- 
perfectly detected, but what impression has been wrought upon the mind? 
What new idea and inspiration has arisen in the soul ? And where does 
Nature speak in such diverse tones as here ? Standing near the brink of 
the precipice where the vast volume rolls itself into the foaming, boiling 
chasm beneath we seem to see humanity blindly hurling itself over the 
precipice into eternity. Where? Sit! Ponder! Contemplate. This is no 
place for butterflies, but for earnest thinking souls. 

As we pass to the Rapids above, that weighty feeling of immensity 
leaves us. The water as it rapidly dashes over the rocks is more in play. 
Now it gambols along in a sportive mood, suddenly it seems possessed by 
a demon of unrest and eagerly hurls itself into maddening foam. We catch 
the spirit of the water and varied emotions play upon the soul. The worry 
and care which perplexed the soul vanishes. 

Amidst the islands primaeval solitude prevails. The little limpid streams 
run quietly over the pebbly beds apparently unconscious of the rushing strife 
so near. Nothing so rests the weary, tired sight-seer as a gentle stroll in 
these secluded places. It is like entering the chamber and shutting the door 
to be alone with Nature and with Nature's God. 

Truly the whole scene is replete with life and voice which should leave 
an abiding impression in the mind of every one. 



TALLY-HO FROn BUrrALO TO NIAGARA TALLS. 



^ I ^HIS pleasant mode of travel is enjoyed 
-*- largely by Buffalo people every pleasant 
day. This elegant four horse English coach 
can be seen about the Falls loaded with a 
jolly party out for a day's pleasure ride. 




GREATER NIAGARA, 



13 



"HE QUrz'cX VICTORIA P3Pr\, NIAGARA FALLS, ONT. 



BY JAMES QUILLIXAN, ACCOUNTANT Q, Y. PARK. 




VIZW OF VICTORIA PARK. 



''"T^HIS beatitiful and magnificent 
-^ park stands foremost amongst 
'. le attractions offered to \asitors 
L.nd tourists at Niagara Falls. It is 
l.ie property of the Government of 
Ontario, and managed by commis- 
sioners appointed bj' the Province. 
The territory embraces the original 
reserve of sixty-six feet in width 
along the entire stretch of the Niag- 
ara River from Lake Erie to Lake 
Ontario — a distance of thirty-four 
miles — to which large tracts of land have been added b}^ purchase for park 
purposes, comprising an aggregate area of .six hundred and seventy-five 
acres. The park was established under an act of the Provincial Legislature, 
passed in 1887, and was officially opened to the public on the 24th of 
May, 1888. 

LOCATION. 

The lands at first selected contained an area of only one hundred and 
fifty-four and one-half acres in the immediate vicinity of the Falls. This is, 
of course, the most important section of the park system, and extends 
southward from the upper Suspension Bridge past the American and 
Horseshoe Falls to the head of the Upper Rapids, a distance of two and 
one-half miles. Viewed from the main entrance opposite the Clifton House, 
the park embraces the crescent shaped plane, lying between the western 
shore of the river 
and the crest of the 
richly wooded bluff 
which forms its 
western boundary. 
In width varying 
from one hundred 
to five hundred 
yards, it affords 
within its area the 
most attractive and 
comprehensive 
views of the great 
Cataracts and of the 




14 



GREATER NIAGARA, 





Rapids, which can 
be had at Niagara 
Falls. From 
"Ramblers' Rest," "Inspiration 
Point" and "Table Rock" the views 
of the American and Horseshoe Falls 
are of the most impressive ano inspir- 
ing character. Owing to its close 
proximit}^ to the Horseshoe Falls, 
"Table Rock" has always been the 
favorite point for observation by 
tourists. Here they usually avail themselves of the service of a guide and 
water-proof clothing to enjoy the trip "Under the Falls," where alone they 
can obtain an adequate conception of the tremendous force of the mighty 
torrent as it rolls over the precipice one hundred and fifty feet above the 
heads of the spectators and plunges with an awful crash into the seething 
caldron beneath. It was from this vantage point that Moore, Dickens, 
Mrs. Sigourney, Montgomery and hosts of other noted poets and writers 
viewed the subHme grandeur of the surrounding scenery, and embodied 
their inspirations in those beautiful and sublime descriptions which have 
spread the fame of Niagara over every region of the civilized world. 

The following lines, composed about a century and a half ago, by one 
of America's noblest pioneer missionaries, convey a vivid impression of the 
over powdering majesty and subHmity of the falling mass of waters viewed 
from the base of "Table Rock." 



THE FALLS OF NIAGARA. 

The thoughts are strange that crowd into my brain 

When I look upward to thee. It would seem 

As if God poured thee from His "hollow hand," 

And hung his how upon thine awful front; 

And spoke in that loud voice which seemed to him 

Who dwelt in Patmos for his Saviour's sake, 

" The sound of many waters," and had bade 

Thy flood to chronicle the ages back, 

And notch his centuries in the eternal rocks. 

Deep calleth unto deep. And what are we 

That hear the question of that voice sublime? 

Oh! what are all the notes that ever rung 

From war's vain trumpet, by thy thundering side? 

Yea, what is all the riot that man makes 

In his short life to thj^ unceasing roar ? 

And yet, bold babbler, what art thou to Him 

Who drown'd a world, and heaped the waters far 

Above its loftiest mountains? — a light wave 

That breaks, and whispers of its Maker's might. 

— Brainerd. 



GREATER NIAGARA. 



15 




PICNIC GROUNDS. 



"^he appearance of t'ne river above the Falls, dashed into foaming sprav 
as it rushes from ledge, to ledge of rock bed, preparatory to its final plunge 
over the precipice, is indeed gr: nd f nd impressive in the highest degree. The 
loveh' syxV_.n islets which constitute the Dufferin group of islands, lie in an 
arm of the river at the upper or sotithenimost end of the park. This section 
is a region of f^iry-like enchantment — a fitting abode for the Naiads of old — 
where the visitor will linger with fond delight, and from which he will 
depart with unfeigned regrei. 

IMPROVEMENTS AND ACCOMMO- 
DATIONS. 

I'nder the energetic and enlight- 
ened management of the Government 
Commissioners great improvements 
have been effected in the renovating 
and beautifying of the grounds, which 
elicit the universal commendation 
of visitors. Previous to the acquisi- 
tion of the grounds b}- the Provincial 
Government, there was no place 
where large bodies of visitors or 
excursionists might retire for rest and recreation. Beyond the limits of the 
dustA'drivewav c.lcmg the edge of the river bank, the}' had no right to intrude ; 
but now, happily, all this has been changed for the better. Ample facilities 
are at present afforded them beneath the spreading shade trees for enjovino- 
rest and recreation where they are invigorated by the cool breezes con- 
stantly created l^}' the falling mass of waters. Beautiful graveled walks 
and driveways have been constructed in all directions; flowering shrubs 
have been planted along the principal lines of travel, and magnificent beds 
of the choicest annuals add their beauty and their fragrance to the enjoy- 
ment of the visitor. In close proximity to the Horseshoe Falls spacious pic- 
nic grounds have been provided, where thousands of visitors mav be seen 
daily during the excursion season enjoying their refreshments — the acces- 
sories of comfortable seats and tables under the umbrageous shade trees 
with an abundant suppty of hot water for tea and coffee and of excellent 
spring water — all furnished, free of cost, by the park authorities. The 
district is very favorable to vegetable growth. The mildness of the climate 
combined with the humidity of the atmosphere has produced a vs<'onderful 
variet}' and abtmdance in its natural flora, v^'hich contains manv specimens 
usualh' restricted to a more tropical latitude, and also many not found 
elsewhere in Canada. An herbarium, consisting of over a thousand spec- 
imens, neath^ mounted, may be seen at the Superintendent's office in the park. 
With such comforts and accommodations for the public, combined v^dth 
the inimitable grandeur of the surrounding scenerv, one need not wonder at 



16 



GREATER NIAGARA. 









ramblers' rest. 



the marvelous popularity which the park has so rapidly attained ; nor can 
one seriously question the aisthetic taste of those enthusiastic admirers who 
have so felicitously named the park the " Canadian Paradise." 

SCENIC ATTRACTIONS. 

No matter how limited the time at the disposal of the visitor, or how 
anxious he may be to economize it, to enable him to explore the mysteries of 
the river gorge below the Falls, he will always feel an irresistible desire to 
protract his visit, to remain j«st a little longer in this delightful region. 
Something yet remains to be seen, or he is impelled to take another glance 
at some especial attraction which has left the liveliest impression on his 
mind. When he first arrived, there was no rainbow to be seen. Its absence 
was unnoticed amidst the varied attractions of the scenery that had engaged 
his attention. But some hours have passed by swiftly. The sun has parsed 
the meridian, and is now well onward in his western course. His bright 
rays permeate the lofty columns of spray, arising like incense, before the 
throne of the mighty cataracts ; and, as if by magic, those clouds of ascend 
ing incense are suddenly crowned wnth a beautiful diadem, a magnificent 
coronal, the most glorious of rainbows — rich in its prismatic colors, and 
perfect in its outline, a happy token of " God's good will to man," spanning 
the awful chasm and binding together in harmonious brotherhood the 
inhabitants of tw^o adjoining nations. 

Before leaving the grounds the attention of the visitor is once more 
arrested at "Ramblers' Rest," which commands an especially beautiful 
and comprehensive view. The Horseshoe Falls is 
now on the right hand and half a mile distant, ^^l.^-r>:--^-^^^Jk 
w^hile the American Falls is directly in front. The 
view embraces the picturesque rapids above the 
ATnerican Falls to the head of Goat Island, spanned z^vm/r'i''yrQv^-'='^':f'^y 




GREATER NIAGARA. 



17 




but a few hundred yards above the cataract bj^ the bridge which connects 
Goat Island with the mainland. 

Prospect Park, a portion of the New York State Reservation, 
alive with visitors eagerly intent upon viewing the surroundings, 

is seen to the left of the 
Falls, as viewed from 
"Ramblers' Rest," while 
some distance farther 
down, the river is spanned 
by a handsome suspension 
bridge, nearly a quarter 
of a mile in length, and 
designed for the accommo- 
dation of carriages and pedestrians. At the foot 
of the Falls the staunch little steamer, " Maid-of 
the-Mist," crowded with her precious load of 
tourists, is stemming the stiff current and gliding onward through a region 
of mists, sparkling with the glowing colors of numberless tiny rainbows, 
toward the great Horseshoe Falls, where she bathes in the seething caldron 
and retraces her course to her landing to exchange her cargo and continue 
her rounds. The steamer also performs the duties of an international ferry 
between the American and Canadian shores, connecting at either side with 
inclined railways running to the top of the cliffs. 

WHIRLPOOL AND WHIRLPOOL RAPIDS. 

Two miles below the Falls are the famous Whirlpool Rapids and Whirl- 
pool, which, in the estimation of tourists, are of secondary importance only 
to the great cataracts. They are 
reached by Victoria Parkway, a good 
macadamized road along the top of 




h«ivi9atidn> 



18 



GREATER NIAGARA. 




the river bank fronting the town of Niagara Falls. 
The principal intervening attractions are the upper 
Suspension Bridge, already alluded to, the Cantilever, 
a double-tracked railway bridge owned by the Mich- 
igan Central, and the Railvi^ay Suspension Bridge, the 
upper deck of the latter being used by the Grand Trunk 
Railway and the lower for carriage and foot travel. These bridges are 
strong substantial structures and much admired by visitors. The Whirlpool 
Rapids commence at the lower bridge, and are seen to best advantage at 
the base of the cliff to which easy access may be had by an inclined railway. 
The entire volume of the Niagara River is here forced through a narrow 
gorge only a few hundred feet in width, producing the wildest stretch of 
rapids on the river. Rushing from this turbulent portion of its course, the 
river immediately enters the far-famed Whirlpool which maj- be said to 
constitute a small lake in itself, hemmed in with towering embankments two 
hundred and fifty feet high, where the current is forced round and round 
in a circular direction, until it finally 
effects its escape through its lofty 
prison barriers by an outlet almost 
at right angles with its previous 
course. 

NIAGARA GLEN. 




' -de 



About half a mile below the 
Whirlpool is a large section of the 
park system, hitherto known as Fos- 
ter's Flats, bat now designated " Niagara Glen." It occupies a large plateau 
some fifty feet above the river level, comprising about one hundred acres in 
extent, and for the matchless picturesque character of its scenery and loca- 
tion can scarcely be equaled anywhere. Sheltered from the cold Winds by 
rocky walls on both sides, towering two hundred feet above its surface, 
with an atmosphere impregnated with an abundance of moisture from the 
boisterous rapids that sweep around its base, its climatic conditions are 
favorable in the highest degree to the growth and perfection of vegetable 
life. Consequently the entire glen is covered with a dense growth of the 
forest primeval, interspersed in all directions with huge blocks of lime-stone 
rocks of the most vs^eird and grotesque shapes, which in former ages broke 
away from the adjoining cliffs. The place has but 
recently been added to the park system, and at present 
is scarcely accessible to visitors ; but, no doubt, v^ithin 
a few years, it will be made available to the public by 
improvements that v^ill render it one of the most 
attractive points in the vicinity of Niagara. 




GREATER NIAGARA. 19 



brock's monument and queenston heights.— (illustration, page 40.) 

The' most northerly portion, of the Queen Victoria Park system available 
to visitors is knov^-n as Uneenston Heights. It comprises a large part of 
the plateau adjoining the crest of the escarpment which extends from this 
point vv^estward beyond the city of Hamilton, and occupies a very com- 
manding position, three hundred and fifty feet above the bed of the river, 
wdiich here emerges from its prison walls, and with a magnificent sweep and 
largely expanded area, pursues the remaining six miles of its course to Lake 
Ontario. This location is famous for the battle fought here in 1812, when 
the American invading army was defeated and taken prisoners. The mag- 
nificent monument which crowns the crest of the hill, is one of the finest 
structures of its kind in the world, and was erected in honor of the 
British General Brock, who with his Aid-de-Camp, Lieutenant-Colonel 
Macdonnell, fell mortalty wounded, while gallantly leading their 
troops up the steep escarpment against the invaders. The column 
is one hundred and ninety feet high, and is surmounted by a 
colossal statue of General Brock. The top is reached by a spiral 
stone stairway, winding up through the center of the column. At 
the upper landing circular windows afibrd comprehensive views in 
all directions, that will amply repay the energy of the enthusiastic 
visitor who possesses any taste for the enjoyment of a panorama of 
beautiful rural scenery which can not be surpassed on this continent. 
The broad expanse of Lake Ontario, six miles to the north, and the 
beautiful fertile country extending from the foot of the escarpment to the 
lake shore, divided into two nationalities by the broad, sinuous, silvery 
stream of the Niagara River which is navigable for the largest lake craft 
from Lake Ontario to this point, afford a charming picture well worthy of 
the warmest admiration. Seven miles to the southward the columns of 
spray maj^ be distinctly seen showing the location of Niagara Falls; and 
looking" westward a glimpse is had of the pretty city of St. Catherines ; 
while across the river to the east is the picturesque old village of Lewiston 
on the American side, with the quaint little village of Oueenston nestling 
below the feet of the spectator — evidently not improved by age but mani- 
festing symptoms of an attempt at resuscitation. 

Apart altogether from the absorbing interest of its historical associa- 
tions, Oueenston Heights is indeed a most charming location, rich in the 
choice gifts bestowed upon it by the hand of a bountiful Creator. About a 
year since the property was placed under the management of the Park Com- 
missioners by the Provincial Government. The Commissioners have pur- 
chased additional land, doubling its previous area, and have made many 
necessary improvements which will, doubtless, be continued, in a systematic 
manner, until the artistic condition of the locality is made to harmonize 
with the fascinating natural beauty and grandeur of the scenery. 



20 



GREATER NIAGARA. 



ELECTRIC RAILWAY. 

While devoting so much attention to the general improvement of the 
grounds and in rendering points of especial interest more easy of access to 
the public, the Commissioners havenot beenimmindfidof the urgent necessity 
for providing a cheap and efficient means to enable tourists to view the 
varied attractions between the extreme ends of the park system. This want 
is amply supplied by the " Niagara Falls Park and River Railway," a well 
equipped, double track electric road, running along the top of the bank of 
the Niagara River from Queenston, where it connects with the steamers from 
Toronto and the lower lake points, to Navy Island, above Chippewa, where 
it connects with the steamers from Buffalo. The entire panorama of the 
magnificent scenery along the course of the river for a distance of fourteen 
miles may be leisurely contemplated hj the tourist while comfortably seated 
in the first-class observation cars of this popular electric road. 

In its relations to visitors as well as in other respects, Niagara Falls has 
undergone a remarkable regeneration since the establishment of the Govern- 
ment Parks, and we can novsr confidently assert that at no place of like 
resort can the visitor enjoy a higher degree of pleasure in the same time and 
for an equal outlay. 




.■&^-g!8S£jfe'g;*SIEt»°'y-— 



TOUKISTS IN 1831. 



COPYRIGHTED. 



-REATER NIAGARA. 



21 



HISTOKY OF THl: riRST SUSPENSION BRIDGE ACROSS 
THE- MIAO/ARA RIVER. 



BV THi:o. G. HULETT> 




TN the year of 1846 the Leg- 
islatures of the State of 



THEODORE G. HUI.ETT. 



Xew York and Ontario incor- 
porated each a company to 
build a suspension bridge across 
the Niagara River at a point 
about two miles below the 
Falls, for the accommodation 
of the Great Western Railroad, 
which wfis then being built 
between the Niagara River and 
Chicago. These two incor- 
porated companies were 
empowered to have a joint 
board to consummate a con- 
nection of trade between the 
two jurisdictions. At that time 
there was but one suspension 
bridge in the country, and that 
one of short span across the 
Schuylkill in the city of Phil- 
adelphia, and one in process of construction across the Ohio River at 
Wheeling, Va. Charles Ellet, Jr., of Philadelphia, of Mississippi Ram 
notoriety, who was commissioned as a general in the War of the Rebellion, 
was the builder of these bridges, and, as at that time suspension bridge 
engineering was regarded as a specialty, Engineer Ellet was the one selected 
to build the Niagara Suspension Bridge. 

In the winter of 1847 Engineer Charles Ellet held a contract with these 
bridge companies to build a w^ire suspension bridge across the Niagara River 
on the site of the present lower suspension bridge, of sufficient capacity' for 
railroad traffic. 

In the winter of 1847 Engineer Ellet arrived at the Village of Niagara 
Falls to make arrangements to commence the structure on the opening 
of the spring. Engineer Ellet was stopping at the Eagle Tavern, then situ- 
ated where now stands the International Hotel. The writer received a note 
by the hand of the bell boy of the hotel, that my presence was solicited at 
the parlor of the " Eagle Tavern " as soon as convenient, and signed " Chas. 
Ellet, Jr." I answered the note in person. Engineer Ellet stated that he 



^.^_ GREATEI; NIAGARA. 



had a contract to build a wire suspension iDridge across the Niagara River 
and as he had a similar contract at Wheeling, his time must necessarily be 
divided between these two localities, and that he wished to obtain the 
services of one who could take charge of all the iron work of the structure 
and that I had been recommended to him as such person. Arrangements 
were made to that effect. 

The engineer then stated in detail his plan of construction. First to 
provide some means of crossing the Gorge with men and tools without 
crossing at a ferry at Lewiston-five miles below-thus saving ten miles 
travel for each desired crossing. His plan was to erect two towers, one on 
either side, twenty-five feet in height, and to suspend a wire cable of thirtv- 
SIX strands of No. 10 wire from the top of these towers, with about thirty 
feet deflection, and upon which to place a yoke with grooved rollers at either 
end and from which to suspend a cage of sufficient capacitv to accom- 
modate two men, and this cage to be crawn across from side' to side by 
means of a stationary windlass on either side of the bank. The first thing 
to be settled was the size, form and material of which this cage should be 
constructed. The engineer proposed this cage to be made of wood and 
instead, I suggested iron. The engineer's objection to iron was its weight 
In answer, I suggested that I thought one of iron could be made of less 
weight and more secure than one of wood. To test this proposition the 
engmeer made a plan of his wooden cage, and carefully weighed by figures 
Its weight. I then made a plan of a basket made of iron, which was also 
weighed and found to be ten pounds lighter than of wood. " We will have 
It iron," exclaimed the engineer, provided we can get it made. I assured the 
engmeer that getting it made would present no difficulty, as I would make 
It with my own hands. The next interrogatory of the engineer was, " What 
shall be its form?" We both at the time were sitting in rocking chairs 
of the same pattern. I requested the engineer to arise, and these two 
rockers were drawn close together, the engineer exclaiming, "That is just 
what we want and will have." Next in order was the construction of the 
cable upon which the basket was to travel. This cable was to be con- 
structed of thirty-six strands of No. 10 wire, each strand to be subjected to 
a uniform strain, and the thirty-six strands bound into a round form by 
being wrapped by a transverse wrapping of a small annealed wire at inter- 
vals of eight inches, each wrapping being about four inches in length This 
cable was formed around an iron yoke or clevis at either end as a means 
of fastening to the rock. After the detail of making the cable was disposed 
o^then came the question of how to get it over. The engineer suggested 
off-enng a premium of $10.00 to the first boy who should successfully fly 
over the Gorge his kite string and fasten its ends to a tree on either side 
This premium brought a score of lads into the contest, and a boy by the 
name of Homan Walsh (who now resides in Lincoln, Neb.) was the successful 



GREATER NIAGARA 



23 



winner of the prize, which- was paid as soon as the kite string was seciired 
on each bank of the stream. The follo\^4ng day a stronger line was drawn 
over by the kite string, and a rope of sufficient strength to haul over the 
iron cable was substituted. By means of this rope the iron cable was 
hauled across the river and its ends secured to the solid rock and placed 
upon the wooden towers, with a curve of about twentv-five feet between 
the towers. I made the iron basket and its attachments with my own 
hands, and it was placed upon the cable. A strong windlass consisting 
of a wooden drum of about four feet in diameter, and so geared that one 





-^- 



man at the crank could haul over any required load. One of these wind- 
lasses was placed on each bank, the draft rope passing around these driims 
at one end, and the other attached to the yoke from which the basket was 
suspended. This yoke was made of iron, with a grooved roller at either 
end that it ran upon, and the flanges astride the cable. 

The first passage of this basket was attempted to be made empty, but 
when almost across it suddenly stopped and the windlass on the opposite 
side would not bring it ashore. It could be drawn back, but not forward, 
and the basket was drawn back to the x\merican shore. Engineer Ellet 
mounted the car, which was let loose from the tower, and which descended 
the down grade with great velocity until its momentum was arrested by the 



24 



GREATER NIAGARA 




HOMAN WALSH. 



tip grade on the opposite side, when 
the windlass on the opposite side 
was set in motion and hauled the 
basket w^ith its passenger to the 
point of obstruction, 'which was 
found to be a spot in the cable that 
had been flattened when the cable 
w^as being hauled across, and to 
such extent that exceeded the width 
of the groove in the roller, which 
caused the flange of the forward end 
of the roller to rise upon the cable 
and its edge to sink between the 
expanded strands of the cable. The 
engineer saw the difficulty at a 
glance, and he soon remedied it by 
contracting the width of the cable, 
and the rollers passed over, and the 
first passenger landed in safety 
across the Gorge in this fairy basket. 
It was found that the groove in the 
rollers was too shallow and the tread too narrow to prevent undue friction 
on the transverse v/rapping of the cable, and new and deeper-grooved 
rollers were substituted. This change made this mode of transportation 
complete, and it was used for that purpose for more than one year, and 
carried across the Gorge more than two thousand passengers, there having 
crossed in one day one hundred and twenty-five persons, and ninety of them 
ladies. The average proportion of ladies over gentlemen was at least forty 
per cent. 

This cable was used until the preliminary bridge structure was com- 
pleted, and then removed. 

The preliminary bridge was but a slight structure of eight feet (road- 
way) in width, with a railing made from ash wood of oval form, one and 
one-quarter inches by two inches, locked together at its ends, and the splice 
bound together by fine annealed wire and woven into the suspenders of the 
bridge longitudinally. There were four of these on either side, one foot 
apart, which made a strong and safe railing five feet in height. This bridge 
was only intended as a scaffolding from which to build the platform of the 
intended railroad bridge. 

The mode of construction of this preliminary bridge was not only 
unique, but was attended by a thrilling incident, which will not be forgotten 
by those who witnessed it, or its recital uninteresting to those who did not. 



GREATER xVlAGARA, 



25 



This basket cable was intended as a preliminary necessity to the con- 
struction of die preliminary bridge, yet it was used for over a year as a 
means c( profit to the contractor for the transportation of passengers as a 
novelt_Y instead of a necessity. 

The first preliminar}- bridge was composed of four massive wooden 
towers, two on either bank, some eighty feet in height. There were four 
jorner posts two feet square, constructed of four timbers one foot square, 
each of different length and separated on their inner sides by an oak strip, 
and all bolted firmly together. The sections were united by each timber 
being of a different length, and thus built up to the top. There were cross 
r)eams twelve inches square running around the vertical posts at intervals 
of about eight feet and bolted firmly to the corner post, and bracing timbers 
from each cross beam to the corner posts. These towers were fourteen feet 
square at the base, terminating at their top at six feet square. These 
Lowers were m^ounted bv a wooden roller of eighteen inches in diameter 
and six feet in length, upon which the cables were to rest. 

The cables of this preliminary bridge were four in number, two on each 
tower. Thev were composed of about one hundred and tvv^enty strands 
of No. 10 wire, each wire having been stretched at an equal tension on the 
shore, with each wire passing around an iron yoke at each end as a means 
of anchoring the cables to the rock. These cables were AVfapped trans- 
versely bv small annealed wire at intervals of ten inches, each wrapping 
being four inches in length, the cable 
two and one-quarter inches in 
diameter. In getting these cables 
across, one end was anchored to 
the solid rock, a strong rope attached 
to the other end, which was cor.- 
nected with a powerful windlass on 
the Canada side, and by it the cable 
was hauled across the chasm and 
the ends anchored to the rock. This 
left a sag in the cables below the cliff 
of about eighty feet. B3' means of 
rope tackle these cables were lifted 
to the top of the towers to their final * 
resting place, leaving the lowest 
point of deflection of the cables some 
fifteen feet above the level of the 
surface rock on either side. These 
cables were spread upon the wooden 
rollers on the top of the towers, 
four feet apart, and the transverse william eli 



26 GREATER NIAGARA, 



wrappings for about four feet at their apex removed for the purpose of 
leaving the wires flattened to give each strand of wire an equal tensile 
strength, and to enable the oil, with which they were kept painted, to i-each 
each wire to prevent any possible oxidization af the wires, this being the 
greatest point of strain on the cables. 

Next in order were placed strips of pine scanthng, two by three, across 
the two cables on either side, and four feet in length, fastened with wire to 
the cables, so as to prevent the cables getting out of Hne, and a cross sup- 
port for the suspenders for the floor of the bridge beneath. Across these 
strips of wood, lengthwise, were laid the suspenders, which were composed 




of two strands of No. 10 wire, ea':h end of the suspender terminating at 
the bottom in a loop to receive the cross or needle beam of the flooring. As 
these suspenders and supports were shoved out, the fl.:»or was laid, which 
consisted of one-inch boards of two ' layers, each layer breaking joints. 
These temporary platforms were to be carried across, of cnly four feet in 
width, from either side simultaneously until be'ng united ir. the center, and 
when so united the platform at once assumed its intended form, a beautiful 
XXXXXX curve to the cables and an upward curve to the flooring, each 
being governed by the calculation of the length of each suspending wire. 

Two separate and distinct bridges were thus thrown across, after which 
they were brought together, side by side, and lashed firmly together, thus 



GREATER NIAGARA. 



27 



giving the supporting cables a lateral curve from twenty-four feet at the 
top of the towers to eight feet at the center of the bridge. 

It was while these prelimin iry platforms were being carried out as 
above described that a terrific s;?ne occurred. The northerly platform was 
completed and the other commenced on either side, the one on the Canada 
side almost one hundred het from the bank, and on the American side about 
two hundred feet. There arose a sudden and terrific wind storm. As a first 
indication of it a two-inch plank was lifted from the top of the tower 
and was being .carried as a feather on the behest of the storm. Its effect 
on the bridge was that the unfinished part was swinging to and fro for 
one hundred feet, at last throwing that part on the Canadian side over and 
across the basket cable. There were two workmen on the Canada end 
of the str^icture at the time of the crash, w^ho made their escape to the 
tow^er. but on the American side there were four men on the structure, 
onlv one of whom reached the shore, the three men remaining having 
no other support than to firmly clutch to two No. 10 wires and rest their 
feet on the shifting flooring of the platform. Nothing could be done to 
rescue these men, until the violence of the gale subsided. When the gale 
had spent its violence a short ladder, 12 feet long, was attached to the 
iron basket with ropes and a request for some one to volunteer to go out 
in the basket to rescue the men. A young man named William Ellis (who 
is now residing at Niagara Falls, and, I believe, the last survivor of the 
scene except the narrator) stepped forward and said, "I am your man." 
Ellis sprang into the basket but before starting I instructed him that he 
under no consideration should bring but one at a time, as it was impos- 
sible to estimate the strain upon the basket cable, as the weight ot the 
entire Canada end of the bridge was upon it, but to take off the one 
farthest out, and return for the others. EUis's reply was, "all right." 
Out went the basket, passing the two unfortunates for the one farthest 
from the shore, the ladder was extended to the wreck, the unfortunate 
was eageriv watched until safelv landed in the basket. The next unfor- 
tunate's appeals were so pressing to be taken in that Ellis forgot his 
instructions and the second unfortunate was soon seen crossing the ladder 
into the b sket The third was reached and the ladder was pushed out 
a-ain and he also was landed in the basket. The basket-the capacity 
of which was but for two-was slowly drawn to the shore laden with four 
stalwart men, and the four safely landed amid the shouts irom the 
bvstanders that silenced the raging elements. 

Under this temporarv platform was built the wagon bridge of eight 
feet in wddth as above described. This road bridge was used as a carriage 
and foot wav for two or three years, awaiting the change of hard times 
and the railroad it was intended to accommodate should be completed. 
At last this event happened and engineer John A. Rabhng, of Brooklyn 



28 GEEATERNIAGARA. 

Bridge fame, was engaged as engineer to complete the original design — 
a railroad bridge. Massive stone towers took the place of the orignal 
ones, and a railroad bridge and a carriage track beneath was erected 
bv ulr. Rabling which was used for years, and after all the woodwork 
of the structure was replaced by iron except the floors, which took place 
about fifteen years since by Engineer L. L. Buck, who about five years 
after substituted the massive iron towers for the stone towers erected by 
Engineer Rabling, wdaich began to show^ signs of decay. 

The engineering skill of Engineer Buck was manifested by the substi- 
tution of these present iron towers for the stone ones removed^ when it is 
known that this change was made without interfering with railroad 
crossing for but two hours. 

The iron basket and a section of the first cable above described, are 
■deposited in the rooms of the Buffalo Historical Society at Buffalo, where 
thev may be examined by any one who may desire to do so. 



THE LUNDY'S LANE AAONUMENT. 

CANON BULL, PRESIDENT OF ONTARIO KISTOKIClL SOCIETY. 

^ I ^HIS fine monum.ent was erected in 1895 in memory of the British 
-*- soldiers who fell at the battle. It is built of light grey granite and 
stands fully forty feet high. On the north side of the monument this 
inscription appears: "Erected by the Canadian Parliament in honor of 
the victory gained by the British and Canadian forces on this field, on 
the 25th July, 1814, and in grateful rem em Ij ranee of the brave men v.'ho 
died here on that day fighting for the unity of the Empire. 1895." 

On the south side there is an entrance to a vault wherein the remains 
of fottrteen British soldiers, killed at the battle, have been reverent]'.' 
jDlaced. They had been I'ecently found in old burial trenches on private 
lands two hundred ya.ds from the hill. 

LUNDY's r.ANE AS IT .'sOW IS. 

The Lane was named after one William Lundy who came in 1783 to 
begin a new clearing about one and one-fotirth miles further west. It was 
then a narrow wooded trail. There were, bnt few other clearings^those 
of the Cooks, Biggers, Pews and Greens — but the name Lundy was given 
to the Lane, and, doubtless, will remain unchanged. But what a contrast 
between then and now. The narr(;vv', crooked trail through bush lands 
has become a wide, straight and beautiful aveirue. Roadways and ,side- 
^valks, shade trees and evergreen hedges are like those of old England, 
Ireland and Scotland. Two handsome churches now crown the hill of 
battle, and, '"with numerous residences, lawns, orchards, vineyards, gardens 
iildicate refinement, industry, peace and contentment. Nature has restored 



r, T; E A T E R N 1 A G A R A 



29 






30 



N I A G A H / , 



hf:r right:-, - ncl chri?''''n 
people enjoy her aid and 
blessing to their handi- 
work. The ravages of 
the war of 1812— 14- are 
blotted out. Good will 
prevails and enmity is 
Ccist out. 

The scenery of Ltm- 
dy's Lane is most 
charming between the 
months of May and 
October. The air is fra- 
grant with spring blos- 
s o m s and garden 
flowers, and continues 
fragrant with fresh 
mown lawns and ripen- 
itig fruits until the sere 
and yellow leaf of aut- 
umn comes again. 

STAMFORD. 

This is the name of 
the rural distiict which 
includes Lundy's Lane 
west of the Niagara 

River. It is well named after an anc" nt municipa'iitv pitr.rted on 
a beautiful spot in Lincohish^lr,-, England. It is a district rf ri:h fruit 
lands. Let a visitor take his walk west cv. Lundv's Lane or go north 
through sweet Sanford village on the old trail and Portage Road 
to Oueenston and Brock's Monument on Queenston Heights, and we 
hazard no contradiction that if the said visitor has any love for the 
beautiful and grand in nature, he will not fail to be ever, impressed with 
delight at all he views here. 

lundy's lane. 

This is a famous place in Canadian history, made famous bv the fierce 
battle fought on July, 25, 1814. It is on rising ground one mile west 
from Niagara Falls, a high point between Lakes Erie and Ontario. A thin 
belt of chestnut forest surrounded the hill which had been donated in 
1800 ks a village burial ground, but after the battle the hill became a 
military cemetery of necessity. For six hours the battle raged just there 
betweeri the British forces, 3,400 strong, and the United States forces, 
5,000 strong-. This was the final and decisive battle of 1812—14. The 




GREATER NlAGAKX. 'Sj 



British loss was eight hundred and seventy killed and wounded. The 
United States loss was nine hundred and thirty killed and wounded and 
three hundred taken prisoners. 



THE PPOORESSiON OF IlLECTRiCAL I'OWER. 

NOTES BY KDWARD j. LAiNPHERK, ARKPORT, X. V. 

TN a February number of the Electrical Engineer of New York, in 1890. 
■^ there appeared the following item of electrical news : "The Thompson- 
Houston Electric Company, of Lynn, Mass., have just constructed an 
elective dvnamo of 75 horse-power, and have the patterns nearly completed 
for one of 100 horse-powder." x^t this time electrical engineers considered 
an electrical generator of the above mentioned capacity a remarkable stride 
in the development of the dynamo. When tt\c Niagara I" alls Power Com- 
pany of this citv harnessed the Falls of Niagara River, three dynam.xis oi 
5,000 horse-power each were ordered from the Westinghouse Electric Com- 
pany, Pittsburg, Pa., and now thev are in operation in the great stone 
power-house on the bank of the Niagara River. The Power Companv have 



32 GR f: . ■ V :.. r, a r a . 

made jdi-o vision for visitors toNiagr.rc: Fails to see theje wonderin] iTiachincsr 
from a 1)alcon_v within the power-house, oerween the liours from 7 a. m. to 
(i p. m.. although they aix- in constant motion, night and d?.y, whenever you 
go there between these hours you may be sure of seeing them in operation, and 
witness the greate!:^t advancement in e!ectricai science that has been wrought 
within the past six or seven years, 'rnd the rapid strides that are being made 
in the construction of machinery for tiie gencr- t'r;;; • rf electricity. 

Tne energy produced at the Power Conipanv'o |>ower-house is now 
being transmitted through large lead covered copper cables laid under 
ground to the Carborundum Works, the Pittsburg Reduction Company's 
plant, where aluminum is extracted from clay, and also to the Carbide 
Factory a little farther up the river. And in a short time the pole line will 
be ct^nstructed through to Buffalo, and then sever?)! thousand horse-po^A'er 
will be consumed at that city, 22 miles awav. 

The present wheel pit accommodates three turbinesof 5,000 horse-power 
each. The Companv are making preparations to enlarge the' pit to make 
room for seven more wheels which will drive seven additional dvnamos, 
increasing the generating capacity to 50,000 horse-power. The canal that 
leads the water from the river to the w^heel pit is of sufficient size to furnish 
water to 25 turbines ; and when the power is converted into electrical 
energy, there will be over 100,000 horse-power generated at this one power- 
house. What the future is of this Electric Citv is difficult to determine, but 
it is sure to become the great central power station of electrical energy for a 
vast area of ten-itory, both in this State and Canada. 



NIAGARA PENINSULA. 

IVTlAGARA Peninsula, which fronts on the Niagara Riyer and extends 
from a point near Brock's Monument to the mouth of the Chippewa 
or Welland River, lies almost entirely upon a high plateau. A portion of 
the original township is noAv occupied "by the Town of Niagara Falls aridi 
the Villages of Niagara Falls South and Chippewa. The first white settlers 
"squatted" here about 1776. About 1785 Street's mills was erected. A, 
raceway captured some of the water of the rapids above the Falls. This 
power ground the "grists " of many farmers until 1874, when the mill was 
burned. The early settlers had not only nearby mills, but they had the fish 
and fowl of Niagara River to sustain them. They reached the river bv rude 
ladders and crossed the river in boats. Many now living can remember 
w^hen the old Suspension Bridge was. erected in the 3^ear 1852. The new 
Suspension Bridge and Cantilever Railroad Bridge have been erected more 
recently. This has been one of the great railroad centers of the continent. 



;r :n.LG>,i?A. 




HENEPIN S IDEA OF THE FALLS. 



With the water power, 
tunnel schemes, and 
the development of 
electricity this will 
soon be a great center 
of manufactures. 

A p o p ti 1 a t i o n c > f 
thirty thousand now 
exists in the immediate 
vicinity of the Falls. 
To feed these thous- 
ands and the coming 
thousands nature long 
ago dropped a drift 
belt of sand loam and 
ground shales extend- 
'ng from St. Davids to 
the Falls, and about a 
mile in width. This 
soft, friable, naturally 
drained soil is already 
largely occupied by 
market gardens and 
Vuit plantations. 
Hundreds of acres ')f 
grapes produce about 
live hundred tons, of 
_; rapes annually. 
Manv acres of straw- 
berries and raspberries 
Mour their frtiits n^'it 
•)nly into local mar- 
kets, but the more 

Hstant cit}^ markets. 
Th€se market 
gardens are recognized 
as the i 1 c a r e s t , 
cheapest and best 
source of vegetables 
for Niagara Falls. 

N. Y. 

Hostile legislation 
to prevent the i r 



GREATER NIAGARA, 



easy introduction into their natural market will directly injure all the 
people that eat. 

Upon each 'side of this drift deposit the soil is mostly suitable to the 
growth of hay and grain, as well as fruit of excellent quality. Here the 
blue grass flourishes, and from here will come the fresh milk for the future 
cities of the Falls. Along the brink of the mountain and the gorge of the 
river are quarries of building stone, which is shipped by convenient railways 
to many points. Here we also find mountains of building sand and kilns 
for the production of ordinary lime and hydraulic cement. Strong springs 
of clear water are found here and there. In the Montrose region spouting 
wells of excellent water are easily obtained upon every farm. 

Five railroads cross different parts of Stamford Township. A double- 
track electric road runs along the bank of the Niagara River. Other lines 
are projected. Other bridges are projected or under construction 

The Niagara Falls Free Park increases in size and beauty as the years 
roll on. Along the mighty canyon of the Niagara is found a flora of 
wondrous beauty and variety as the published botanical lists show. In the 
river itself we find not only ducks of many kinds, but the stately sw^an and 
the rare pelican. Hundreds of eagles have been shot along the gorge of the 
Niagara. The poet, the artist, the scientist, the sportsman, the man of 
leisure, the business man, the mechanic and cultivator of the soil can each 
locate in this favored spot and can each secure environments eminently 
suited to their varving tastes and requirements. 



DISTANCES AND PRICES Or ADHISSION. 

DISTANCES FRO:^ DEPOT, AMERICAN SIDE. 

Prospect Park, five minutes' walk ; around Goat Island, IV^ mile ; 
New Suspension Bridge, Vi mile ; Railway Suspension Bridge, 2 miles ; 
Whirlpool Rapids, 2V2 -miles ; Whirlpool, 3 miles ; Devil's Hole, 3% miles ; 
top of mountain, 6V^ miles ; Indian Village, 8 miles ; Victoria Park, 
IVi mile. 

PRICES OF ADMISSION. 

Cave of the Winds, $1.00; Inclined Railwaj^ 10 cents; trip on ferry 
(either side) 50 cents ; Museum, 25 cents. 

DISTANCES FROM DEPOT, CANADIAN SIDE. 

Victoria Park, 1% mile; Lundy's Lane Battle Ground, 2V^ miles; 
Brock's Monument and Queenston Heights, 7 miles. 

PRICES OF ADMISSION. 

Behind Hoseshoe Falls, guide and dress, 50 cents ; Brock's Monu- 
ment, 25 cents ; carriage hire for Lundy's Lane and return, 25 cents. 



GREATER NIAGARA, 



^Buffalo " ^- ?^Tagara Falls ':■; 



\ "_;— ^ ^ A 




^ I "^HE tourist could hardly visit the Falls and not go to Buffalo. The 
^~ above railw^ay has provided one of the finest routes in the world. Take 
the cars at Prospect Park, and before youarehardly awareof it^-ou are flying 
past the great Power House, then the Aluminum Works, then Fort Schlosser. 
Now we have a bit of farm life on one side and on the other the beautiful 
Niagara River stretches far out to view, with scarcely a ripple to mar its 
beauty. How placidly it glints and glistens in the sunshine, as if bent on 
hiding in level stillness deadh' pools and treacherous shallows, ever chanting 
tenderly a w^eird lullaby, silencing all thought of the deep and wild rush of 
the rapids, where foam-clad spirits dance and alure to destruction like a 
merciless fiend, ever readv for new victims. No pity, no mercv, but like a 



CREATKR NIAGARA 



demon possessed, never haltng until the brink is reached, and with a 
pitiful moan of remorse, plunges down into darkness. 

Do we wonder at the Redman's worship cf the Niagara as a deity whose 
worship required a A^earlj^ sacrifice. 

Here, when the world w.^s ;vreatheu with the tcarlet and gold of October, 
Here from far-scatterei cams the moccasineJ Lrioes of the ivedmau, 
Lett in their tents their bowrf, forgot their brav.-'s and dissentions, 
- Ringed thee with peace ftil fires, an.f over their cainmets pondered. 

Chose from their fair virgins the iairest and purest among them, 
Hollowing a birchen canoe, and fashioned a seat for the \'irgin, 
Clothed her in white and set her adrift to whirl to thy bosom. 
Saving : " Receive this onr vow^ Niagara, Father of Waters." 

Lo, driftiixg toAvard ns approaches a curious tangle of something. 
White and untiilered it floats, bewdtching the sight. 

And appearing like to a birchen canoe, a virgin crouched pallid wdthin it, 
Hastening with martj-r zeal to solve the unriddled hereafter. 

Slovv^er and smoother her flight, until on the precipice pausing, 
Just for the space of a breath the dread of a change seems to thrill her ; 
Crossing herself and seeming to shudder, she lifts eyes to heaven, 
Suddenly a midst upAvhirls — 1 j:ee not — but know all is over. 

— Howton. 

La Salle is passed, another famous place in history, named for the great 
explorer, de La Salle. It was here, upon one occasion. La Salle got into a 
dispri,te wath the Indians and no doubt would have lost his life but for the 
timely arrival of a man by the name of Latonty, who had lost a hand, 
and had as a substitute one made of iron, w^hicli he always kept concealed in 
a glove, so the Indians didn't know he had such a hand. A few vigorous 
strokes struck terror to their hearts, and they supposed him possessed 
with some aw^e-inspiring power that served a good purpose ever after. 

You pass through Tonawanda, one of the greatest lumber marts in the 
world. A glimpse here and there of green fields and the Oueen City of the 
Lakes is reached. "* 

Buffalo has a population of three hundred and sixty thousand, an area 
of forty-two square miles, sixty-one public schools, one hundred and eighty 
churches, three thousand five hundred manufactories, nine hundred acres 
of parks and driveways, nearly four hundred miles of paved streets, has the 
largest coal tressel in the world, largest flour docks in the world, more 
asphalt pavements than any other city. You swiftly pass through street 
after street, with glimpses of parks. Lake Erie in the distance, and Main 
Street, and the end of the line is reached. Ask for a transfer ticket and 
board a Main Street car and go straight through the heart of the city past 
the finest store buildings in the Vi^orld on the right and left towering high 
and most massive are grand monuments of architectural skill ; then you 
come to the elegant homes, speaking of wealth, refinement and taste. 



GREATER NIAGARA, 37 



Leave the car for a Forest Avenue car (cost five cents j that will take you 
])ast Forest Lawn, the beautiful city of the dead. Off to the right you will 
see in the distance a stateh' monument erected to the memory of the dead 
Indian chiefs. Then comes the Park with its grand drives, and on past the 
State Hospital. You can transfer to any of the lines along the route that 
will take 3'ou direct to Main Street again, where yoxi meet the Niagara Falls 
cars for the return trip. Your round trip ticket is good until used, so yon 
can stay as long as you like. 

If the tourist is in a hurry and has followed the routes in this book, he 
will have the satisfaction of knowing he never saw so much and in such 
comfort in one dav, and at so small cost. 



LOVIlRS or A CENTURY AGO. 



TOURING the Revolutionary War a party of British soldiers were 
^^ marching along the bank of the Niagara River on the Canadian side. 
Something in the river attracted the attention of a young officer. He fell 
out of the ranks and went to the edge of the perpendicular bank which 
was then thickly wooded. He never returned, and the soldiers, after vainly 
searching for him, came to the conclusion that he had fallen over. They 
reported the accident to the authorities, and for a century his loss 
remained a mystery. 

A few years ago some boys playing, near the foot oi the perpen- 
dicular bank opposite what is now called the ravine in Victoria Park, 
saw" a cleft in the rock, 'and going in found the remains of a skeleton. 
They reported the matter and officers of the neighborhood took charge 
of the bones or remains. It was concluded he had fallen in a fissure 
of the rocks, shut in from' sight and sound and found a living tomb, 
time having crumbled the rock away revealing a traged}' of a life 

But that was not the end. From the me^ild of what was once an 
officer's uniform they found buttons giving the number of his regiment, 
and remains of epaulets and belt proving his rank. With these particu- 
lars the records of the regiment were traced, his family connections 
found and communicated with, and the following pathetic story was 
learned : 

Away in the Sunny South a fair young girl, the only daughter of 
wealthy parents, was engaged to the officer that so m^'steriousl}' dis- 
appeared. 

The only shadow that had ever darkened their Ijright and happy 
lives was the thought of separation; but the star of hope shone bright 
and they strove to see bej'ond the cruel fate of war. the peaceful and 
happy imited life when the battle for country find right was over. 



40 



ADVERTISEMENTS, 



LoRETTA College. 

Location. — The sitxiation commands a Yie^Y of the snrronndiiig country, 
which for grandetir has no equal. As far tip the river as the eye can see, is an 
enchanting scene, in plain view is the Horseshoe Falls, in all the'r wild beaniy 
of scenery. The ma.gnificent panorama Natttre so generotisly spread? ont to -v\t\" 
from this point, is of itself an educator. 

A more healthy location could not have been chosen for a school, l:eing on 
such a high eminence and the bend of the river, and just the right angle for th,f 
west w^ind to sweej) away all mist and dampness. There is ahvays a cool breeze 
makina; a delightful and health-giving climate. 



GRAND VIEW OF THE FALLS AND RIVER. 
RATES : $1.50 TO $2 00 PER DAY. 



P 0. ADDRESS, NIAGfRA F/- LLS C." I TE, 

COR BENDER AVE AND RIVER FRONT 

8GX 71. 

NIMGMRM F=7?1_L-S (OMNKD?? SIDE). 
All Modern Improvements, Electric Lights, Electric Bells, Batbs, Etc. 



large hall for picnics and dancing parties. 
Fine Stock of Liquors and Cigars 



Cataract Hotel, 



" ° » c. L smim F[op«L 

Clifton flilL 

fiiagapa Falls, Ont, 

TUtRS. L-KCEV, PROPRIEXRESS. 

Meals at all Hours. Transient and Private Board Accommodation Winter and Summer 

Terms, $L00 to $2.00 Per Day, P. 0. Address, Niagara Falls Center, Ont, 

The CATAR.4.CT House is pleasantlj' i'itaated within tive minntes' walk of Niagir.' 

Falls, New Suspension Bridge, and close br M. C. R. R. Station. Other Stations, Electric- 

and Street Cars within easy reach. 




'T^HE AS=KER=SHAW Remedies are constantly growing in favor 
as safe and certain remedies. A trial fuSly satisfies the 
most sceptical as to their remarkable cura*' powers. 



Ointment, 
Large Box, 



25c pi. ■ Box. [ Tung Balsam, 
75c ' " j jilood Remedy, 



$ 25 

1 00 



The verdict of our customers for the above articles is: " A customer gained, never lost.' 



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